We recently had guests visiting from out of town and decided to take them over to the Olympic Peninsula.  Since we were limited on time, we opted for a picnic and three locations:  Falls View Canyon (campground), Mount Walker and Rocky Brook Falls.  All three of these sites offer visitors a peek at the natural beauty we are fortunate enough to have around us.  The amount of walking is minimal and the vehicle access is very easy.  So on this stunningly clear day we set out from the guest houses with our box lunches from Little City Catering on SR104. 

Within a mile we crossed the Hood Canal Bridge.  Many people don't realize that this one of three floating bridges in Washington State.  It offers unparalleled views of the Olympic Mountains and, to the north, Hood Head and Admirality Inlet.  Once across the canal, the terrain subtly changes  First, you don't realize how high you are until you get the peakaboo views to the south of the Hood Canal.  Second, driving through managed forest you realize the importance of our natural resources.

In about 10 miles, we exited following the sign to Quilcene.  This is a shortcut on a beautiful tree-lined, two lane road of rolling hills, farm land and pastures.  We passed a large barn which is the home of the Olympic Music Festival a major performing arts festival held there from late June through Early September.  This road is perfect for biking and connects with Hwy 101 in Quilcene in about 9 miles.  Once in Quilcene, we continued south on Hwy 101. 

Just south of town we entered the Olympic National Forest.  Immediately on the right is a Forest Ranger Station.  I highly recommend stopping here for information.  Also, should you need any passes or permits you can get them here.   Continuing south, we arrived at our first stop, the Falls View Campground.

Falls View Canyon (Campground) - 24 mi from the Guest Houses
This area of Hwy 101 seems to have its own ecosystem as it's cool and damp regardless of the weather.  The campground is full of lush mossy trees and, during June, rhododendron blooms.  As we drove through the campground, we followed the road to the parking area.  If the campground is not open, you can park at the gate and walk the short road.

To our right was a short trail that leads to a cliff edge viewpoint of the canyon and Quilcene River hundreds of feet below.  Across the canyon is a thin waterfall that, on some days, seems drop into a misty abyss.  There is another trail adjacent to the parking area that leads down to the river.  It's a steep but well-maintained trail.  After taking advantage of the photo opportunity, we piled back into the car for our next destination.

Mount Walker Viewpoint - 26 mi
Two miles after Falls View, we turned off onto Mount Walker Road.  When open, you can drive the 4 miles to the summit lookout.  Otherwise, you can park at the gate and hike the trail.  The gravel road is well maintained and wide enough to accommodate traffic in both directions.  On a clear day, such as the day we were there, the road emerges from the damp coolness of the canyon to warm and sunny views near the top. 

There are two summits offering different views of the area.  One looks eastward where you can see the Puget Sound and the Cascade Range.  The other faces the Olympic Mountains.  Our guests were very impressed here.  We actually spent a lot of time here soaking in the views (and the sun).  We considered eating our lunches here but decided that our next destination would make a more dramatic setting.  Alas, we returned to Hwy 101 and continued south to Brinnon.

Following Hwy 101, the road left the National Forest and descended to sea level contouring the Hood Canal.  As we approached the town of Brinnon, we were amazed at the beautiful tide flats (at low tide).  The colors were almost magical - tall green grass with shimmering blue water.  Although we did not go there that day, I would recommend visiting the Dosewallips State Park which is only a half mile south of the turnoff for Rocky Brook Falls (Dosewallips River Road).  It's unique in that it offers fresh water (from the river) and salt water (from the Hood Canal) activities.

Rocky Brook Falls - 35 mi
We turned onto Dosewallips River Road following it inland past several small homes and farms.  This paved road parallels the river winding its way through dense forest.  At 3 miles we crossed a small bridge with a pump station on the right.  We parked here on the left side of the road in an informal parking lot.  Crossing the road, we walked the trail (passing the pump station) for less than a quarter of a mile which follows the creek into a dramatic cataract.  Towering above us was Rocky Brook Falls. 

Unlike most waterfalls, this one is seen up close from below as it cascades over a rock wall.  Littered with mossy boulders and logs, the agile can climb up to the base.  Fortunately the water is very shallow (even at the base) but the danger lies in slippery rocks and logs.  We climbed onto one the many large and flat boulders which turned out to be the perfect spot for our lunch.  With the backdrop of the waterfall and a cool lush forest, we could not ask for anything more.  Our guests were blown away at this setting and it ended up being their favorite stop.